Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging even in the best of times. The laws are complex, coverage requirements can be difficult to understand, and the policy you end up with may seem like it is written in a different language altogether—especially if there are exclusions, riders, endorsements, and more to sift through. And then there are the premiums (rarely on the inexpensive side) that you must keep up with faithfully, fearing cancellation if even one is missed or late. Purchasing and maintaining coverage may seem like an odious task but as consumers in the US, we usually fulfill these responsibilities to protect our families, ourselves, our possessions, livelihoods, and more.
The insurance industry rakes in billions of dollars each year, but they don’t always have a happy following of clients, and many are outspoken and critical to say the least. Most of us don’t enjoy buying a product that is intangible for the most part—and may feel like it is a complete waste of money to pay for years on end when you never even have to file a claim. If that has been your experience, you may be extremely frustrated when the time does come to file a claim and your insurance company is giving you the runaround. Undoubtedly, you are comparing their millions or billions of dollars in net worth with what you have and wondering why they feel the need to treat faithful customers so poorly—you included.
Insurance companies may use delay tactics such as disputing enormous bills that you need paid in the claim; for example, if you were in a car accident and the insurance company for the negligent party is supposed to pay out, they may dispute medical bills or scrutinize how long it took you to get treatment—eventually using that as a reason to drag their feet on even deny the claim altogether.
The reason they do so is built on a simple, but extremely profitable, business model: put as little time and effort into claims and investigations as possible and pay out as little as possible. Nearly everyone working in the insurance industry is enticed by bonuses and additional compensation—and this goes for adjusters too, who understand that the less the large corporations have to pay out, they more they can make too. Knowing that they are completely in the driver’s seat if you do not have legal representation, the insurance company may also delay just to wear you down into accepting a smaller settlement.
In the midst of such delays, remember that the adjustors are not your friends. They are there to save the insurance company as much as possible regarding claims. Beware of their attempts to speak to you instead of your attorney, as well as requesting access to medical records and asking if they can tape your conversations. They may also tell you to relax when it comes to hiring an attorney—why would you need one when you can work out a settlement with them all on your own? The fact is that you do need legal representation to see that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don’t try to go it alone, and especially if you think the insurance company might be acting in good faith.
If you need help reviewing your insurance policy, or if you suspect your insurance company may be denying your claim in bad faith, contact the attorneys at the Bolender Law Firm. If a dispute over a claim cannot be easily resolved through a call or written communication, our attorneys will advocate on behalf of policyholders through litigation, arbitration, or non-binding mediation. Our attorneys are experienced in representing clients in state and federal courts, at both the trial and appellate level. Call us at 310-320-0725 now or submit an easy consultation request online. We are here to help!